The therapeutic professions have used canine assistants to comfort and cheer patients, calm the senses, lower the blood pressure and treat anxiety disorders. Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Neurologists, other doctors and dentists have discovered having this member of their practice in a low profile role in their office truly helps the situation for most visiting patients.

Cali will be available in the waiting room or the atrium or the hallway for petting, mostly, and to talk to. She has an attractive tail and smiles a lot with her eyes. Our older patients and our youngest patients especially appreciate her training and composure.

Therapy dogs are recognizable by their calm temperament. They are good with all strangers and won’t react to loud noises or even food offerings. The science of therapeutic pets includes studies that show how stroking a pet dog decreases cortisol, the stress hormone in both the human and the dog. It also increases prolactin and ocytocin, hormones that govern nurturing and feelings of security. It also boosts serotonin and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that boost mood.